Light/Solar

Light chasing and solar powered robots are, in the main, fairly simple to construct and are popular with both beginners and more experienced robot builders.
The majority of solar robots are compact in size and can be quite speedy. The obvious advantage with a robot that is solar-powered is the fact that there is never any need to replace its batteries. As long as there is sunlight, your robot will be powered. One of the fastest solar robots around is the Solar Speeder. When operated in direct sunlight, this nifty little light sensitive robot can cover up to three metres distance in less than 40 seconds. Spare solar panels for robots such as these are widely available and include such famous brand names as Lego.

A light chasing robot does exactly as its name suggests — it should and will follow beams of light. The construction of a light-seeking robot kit is fairly straightforward, making this type of machine a great starting point for those who are less experienced in the world of robotics. Taking an average of around two hours to construct, Herbie the Mousebot is one of the most popular of the light chasing kits. Available in a variety of colours, Herbie is powered by a 9V battery and will happily chase the light beam from a torch for as long as his power lasts. Herbie even has fully functional whisker and tail sensors, ensuring that the robot will never get stuck in a corner while chasing the light.